Any of you who tuned in to watch my Throwdown against Bobby Flay this week likely saw the part when my precious daughter Petunia sold me down the river and told the camera that she preferred Bobby’s dessert to mine.

I think her exact words were “Don’t tell my mom, but I really think Bobby’s recipe is the best.”

My point is, the dessert raised the bar for desserts as far as my sweet girl is concerned. Problem is, we haven’t been able to make the recipe ourselves because we haven’t been able to find it. But this week, in conjunction with the show, Food Network posted all the recipes. You can find them here:

She started by making the pumpkin bread. Very simple ingredients. A piece of cake. (Well, a loaf of bread.) Then she cubed the bread, put it on a big sheet pan, and toasted the bread for about forty-five minutes or so, just to dry it out a little bit. While the bread was drying, she made the pumpkin custard, which sounds complicated but really isn’t at all.

I wandered into the kitchen from time to time to lick bowls and steal cubes of pumpkin bread out of the oven.

Once the bread was slightly dried out, she made the bread pudding by throwing the cubes in a baking dish and pouring the pumpkin custard over the top, then baking it.

Bobby spooned his onto plates. but my girl cut hers into squares.

I wonder what that says about their respective personalities? I’ll ask Freud the next time I bump into him. I see him at The Wal Marts occasionally.

While the bread pudding baked, Petunia made the vanilla bean creme anglaise, which is in the family of creme brulee or any sort of custard cream. She did really well with it; there were some slightly cooked curdles of eggs that wound up in the strainer, but the strained cream itself was just as it should be.

By the way, I’m putting this on PW Home and Garden soon as a Holiday Gift Idea. It is a heavenly, perfect product. I absolutely love it, and will tell you more about it later.

I should tell you that my girl opted not to make the caramel apple sauce. She didn’t want to wait that long.

And I really can’t blame her. This was actually photographed the next day, and both the bread pudding (reheated) and the creme anglaise were just as delicious as they’d been the night before.

I will tell you that this recipe has many different elements, and many can be made ahead of time. Make the pumpkin bread now, for instance; it only gets better if it gets a little dry. Make the creme anglaise Tuesday, then cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. I think you could easily make the custard the day before Thanksgiving and keep it cold, and the same would probably hold true for the caramel apple sauce. Then you’d just need to assemble, bake, heat, drizzle, and bring it all together in an explosion of perfect deliciousness on Thanksgiving day.

Debbie On Sunday, November 21 at 9:38 am

Could Petunia be any cuter? Nope, I don’t think so! And that pumpkin bread pudding looks to. die. for.

anneflan On Sunday, November 21 at 1:47 pm

Is she not adorable? I loved it on Throwdown when she said she liked Bobby’s dessert better…..you could see the guilt in her eyes . What a cutie pie.

Kathy On Monday, November 22 at 6:49 am

I agree, anneflan. I was laughing so hard when she said she liked Bobby’s dessert best. And her little whispered, “Don’t tell my mom.” So darling.

8

Karen On Sunday, November 21 at 9:42 am

My husband just told me last night that my “love” handles are gone and I intend for it to stay that way. It took me 5 months to lose them babies but you are seriously going to make them come back with all of these recipes. Maybe I can just imagine how heavenly it would taste.

Brenda On Sunday, November 21 at 6:08 pm

Just cut down the recipe so you don’t have to eat it all, but you don’t have to deprive yourself either. Win-Win!

How cool is it that you and Bobby are on a first-name basis? But I’ll bet Petunia probably calls him Mr. Flay.

13

Katie On Sunday, November 21 at 9:51 am

Looks yummy! I want to make this for Thanksgiving!

14

Pat On Sunday, November 21 at 9:52 am

Saw the show yesterday and it was great!! It looked like everyone had a very good time. It would have been very difficult for me to pick a winner as all the food looked like it was very good; how could it have been anything but with you and Bobby running the kitchen. hmmmm, dessert; which would I choose? Would either have been the…or the…., I would probably still be tasting. I don’t think I could have made that decision. Perhaps would have sided with Petunia. ;-))
Thanks for the afternoon entertainment.

The perfect ending to my Roast Turkey and Homemade Stuffing. Am doing a post today. Thanks for posting this recipe Ree. Will make it this week. Suzanne

17

daryl On Sunday, November 21 at 9:55 am

How can it miss with all that heavy cream, whole milk and 6 egg yolks. Looks delicious but not for those of us who want to maintain healthy hearts!

SarainOkla On Sunday, November 21 at 10:49 am

Just so you know – my 80+ yr hubby recently had (his first!) medical check and complete blood workup to prepare for minor surgery — he has eaten hog fat, chicken fried steak, real butter, bacon etc since birth — his blood is PERFECT – cholestral below 200 — doc says his good cholestral looks like he does marathons!!! — it’s not always what you eat — it’s in the genes they say — I’m counting on my ancestors to keep me truckin’ on for some time to come –

sallyk On Sunday, November 21 at 2:38 pm

Oh, I think it has something to do with what we eat, but I’m not at all sure that foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol have much if anything to do with it. I tend to think it’s all the processed and ultra-processed foods and the edible food-like substances that do it. Artificial food wasn’t meant for regular human consumption. When I reduced those significantly in my diet, my cholesterol dropped like a rock. I eat butter, eggs, milk, cream, meat and so on — though in moderate amounts.

sallyk On Sunday, November 21 at 7:29 pm

Dawn B On Sunday, November 21 at 9:56 am

I saw the throwdown and I wondered what you must be thinking when Petunia “threw you under the bus” right there on TV, She is just so PRECIOUS and I can’t wait to try the recipe that she thought was better than yours. Aren’t you happy to have her in your kitchen? Way to go Petunia, your “ROCK”!

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Lori On Sunday, November 21 at 9:56 am

Your daughter is adorable and the recipe sounds divine. Making it today.

I saw ‘Throwdown’ and enjoyed it very much. I still have the show on my DVR, won’t erase it for a while. I want to make this recipe, but decided not to for Thanksgiving, as we have a lot of cooking to do in a very small kitchen. I will make this either right after Thanksgiving or for Christmas dinner. It looks really yummy.

I am, however, making the Mashed Potatoes and the Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving. Can’t wait to eat them!

Petunia is sweet, hope to hear more about her cooking in your kitchen.

21

Wendi On Sunday, November 21 at 9:57 am

Hi Ree,
When you make the pumpkin custard is it a small can of pumkin? Thanks

22

Angela On Sunday, November 21 at 9:57 am

This post made me happy. What a great tribute to an adorable, gifted kid.

Thank You for posting this now! I am just watching the Bobby Flay Throwdown with you and they are at the dessert stage right now. I am headed upstairs to make — Hey You WON! Very cool! Congratulations!
I am going to go make your stuffing and his dessert (Mom does the pecan pies, I might add the whiskey sauce though.

I watched your Throwdown…what a great show….you looked great…not nervous at all…

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Caroline in Tennessee On Sunday, November 21 at 10:19 am

Wow! I am impressed, Petunia! I really think that Foodnetwork needs you. Many kids watch Foodnetwork and would love for a kid to have their own sho! I think itwould be a big hit! And, your bread pudding looks delicious!

Luna On Sunday, November 21 at 10:23 am

The first thing I thought/said when I watched the ep was that, “I cannot believe the child that Ree will not allow to leave her just totally went to the other side!” But then, I figured your girls might go for Bobby’s side, but I KNEW your boys were having none of them brussels sprouts, etc. – they wanted momma’s cooking no matter what. heheh

I’m really writing to request a CHINA CHECK! Please? That plate is gorgeous! As gorgeous as the desert on top of it.

Denise BACK in Bama On Sunday, November 21 at 9:19 pm

I was thinking the same thing…china check, please. (Haha…”check, please!”)

That vanilla bean paste is a must-have in my kitchen! I’ve been obsessed with it since discovering it at The Spice Shop in Chicago Summer 2008. We now live in Boulder, CO and can pick it up anytime at Savory Spice–my now favorite on the planet spice shop

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Kathy H On Sunday, November 21 at 10:27 am

you go girl ! I’m actually making it right now, we couldn’t find Apple Schnapps anywhere, I’m hoping apple cider will do it….

36

Misha On Sunday, November 21 at 10:30 am

Thank you so much for posting this! My Dad and I watched the Throwdown last night and he hasn’t stopped talking about the pumpkin bread pudding since. This will definitely be on our table this Thursday!

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Ashley from Maine On Sunday, November 21 at 10:30 am

Thank you!!!! I’ve been wanting to make this since I saw the show! By the way, I will be making your Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving!

38

Linda On Sunday, November 21 at 10:40 am

She is gonna be like her mama. When did she cut her hair? She is even more adorable with her face framed by strawberry blonde! Is she proud of her endeavor?

Bread pudding! Bread pudding!
Many thanks. The Throw~Down set off a lot of culinary cravings in me, and one of them was for this recipe. I made my favorite cranberry relish yesterday, and with your mashed potatoes and orange-peel-brined turkey, I could be an *extra* happy woman.

Looks scrumptious! And those fabulous plates! My sister in law uses them every Thanksgiving. She started collecting them for her boys when they were tiny. And now that they’re newly married – those lucky brides have a whole set. I thought it was Wedgwood but …?

“Don’t tell my mom, but I really think Bobby’s recipe is the best.”….that *was* about the CUTEST thing EVER!

So glad you posted this. All I want for Thanksgiving is my mom’s dressing, your mashed potatoes and Bobby’s bread pudding.

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Nana On Sunday, November 21 at 11:08 am

Oh, that recipe of Bobby’s sounds great enough, and will likely give it a whirl, but the real star of your post is your precious daughter, Petunia-Ann. Her picture was enough to just melt my heart. What a dear, dear china doll-faced girl she is.

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Reesa L On Sunday, November 21 at 11:10 am

I had to just giggle outloud when your daughter told the camera she liked this LOL. It was so cute.

As soon as I can get to the store I’m going to be making this for sure!

I know my husband would love this! As a Brit he loves his bread pudding, but he has totally embraced the pumpkin since moving to America. I’ve never been much of a bread pudding person myself, but I think I would like this too!

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Betsy On Sunday, November 21 at 11:25 am

I am trying to finish watching the rest of “Throwdown” now…I recorded it, of course! Loving it and all the fabulous recipes I have been saving and trying from your website, along with the new ones from Bobby. Can’t wait to brine a turkey. I have never done it before but have been thinking about it and then you posted your recipe. Sometimes it’s like you’re reading my mind Anywho…thanks for posting this recipe. I am in love with pumpkin, have been pureeing it thanks to your tips and can’t wait to try this one, especially after your daughters reviews. You rock \m/

I don’t blame her either. I haven’t even tasted the stuff and it has been in my dreams since I saw the Throwdown!! I can’t wait to make this!!!

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Dawn On Sunday, November 21 at 11:45 am

I just love it that you named your daughter Petunia. It was one of the nicknames that my mom lovingly called us when she wanted to get our attention…..”Okay, Petunia, it’s time to set the table…….”

And she used to hum “I’m a lonely little petunia in the onion patch” while she was in the kitchen. It was a song from her childhood that her mother used to sing to her. I think Arthur Godfrey recorded it. Thought you’d like to share that with Petunia.

PatW On Monday, November 22 at 8:28 am

Sorry, Dawn, but if you’ll look around a lot on Ree’s blog, you’ll realize that it IS a nickname!

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SarainOkla On Sunday, November 21 at 11:46 am

My comment an hr ago to #17 got lost, so excuse the duplicate!! — my 80+ yr hubby recently had (his first!) medical check and blood workup for minor surgery — he has eaten eggs, chicken fried steak, hog lard, bacon, butter etc since birth — his cholestral is below 200 !! – his doc says his good cholestral looks like he does marathons!! — it’s not always what you eat, it’s in the genes — I’m counting on my ancestors to keep me truckin’ for a long time to come!!! — so eat – and enjoy !!

58

Kirsten M On Sunday, November 21 at 11:54 am

Well she did steal the show with her comment!! Too cute. Thanks for the recipe.

Ree, this had me laughing out loud! I love your wit, and your good spirit. I had to say that when I saw Petunia say that on the show I thought, Uh oh…. but you handled it with grace and humor.

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Rhonda Lou On Sunday, November 21 at 12:02 pm

My husband and I got the biggest kick out of lil’ Petunia when she said she liked Bobby’s dessert the best….”Don’t tell my Mom”…..SO CUTE!!!! This dessert is right up my alley because I love bread pudding. ~Can’t wait to try it.

Sheila On Sunday, November 21 at 12:50 pm

Sallyk On Sunday, November 21 at 2:42 pm

Ooooh! Now that my sister finally let me know that she’s not bringing the red velvet cupcakes she’d promised, I might have to give this a try in order to compensate! And frankly, if your youngin likes this better than your pecan pie which was allegedly the best ever…it must be pretty much life changing.

Mary On Sunday, November 21 at 3:46 pm

Not a huge fan of bread puddings, but this one looks good and I love pecan pie. Either woud be 100 times better than red velvet cupcakes! I’m liking the fact that it can be made earlier in the week and just put together at the end. Anything I can do ahead of time is great.

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ashley On Sunday, November 21 at 12:55 pm

i was planning on making this for thanksgiving thanks to petunia’s rave reviews on throwdown. also i was planning on making the bread today and omitting the apple caramel sauce. glad to see you recommend that plan.

megs On Sunday, November 21 at 1:31 pm

I laughed so much when I saw Petunia say ‘Don’t tell my Mom..’. What a hoot.
I love bread pudding in any form so I may try this due to Petunia’s glowing recommendation. It’s great that she made it herself!
One strange thing I noticed about the throwdown was that there wasn’t a yam in sight.
?? That’s as bad here as not having mashed potatoes!

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Sopheavy On Sunday, November 21 at 1:39 pm

When we saw this on the throw down my husband begged me to make it for Thanksgiving. Petunia did a wonderful job with the recipe! Thanks Ree for posting it!

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Lori B On Sunday, November 21 at 2:06 pm

What fun to watch the show! Congrats! Would Hard Sauce be good on this? I’m making that for Dreamy Apple Pie which lasted about an hour!

sallyk On Sunday, November 21 at 2:56 pm

Kim in MD On Sunday, November 21 at 2:21 pm

Eliza J On Sunday, November 21 at 2:24 pm

That recipe looks wonderful and will definitely be made in the near future. By the way, just a suggestion, could you please list the pattern of the plates you use in your photo shoots, I love them all!

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Shannon On Sunday, November 21 at 2:40 pm

My husband and I just got done watching the show about 5 minutes ago on the DVR and he asked me if you posted all the recipes on the site, especially Bobby’s Pumpkin Bread Dessert (sorry!) I think I might have to try and attempt to make both of them this year!

Courtney On Sunday, November 21 at 2:45 pm

Congrats on the Throwdown victory!!! What a talented Petunia you have!! Thanks for the link to all the recipes.

86

MissyDew On Sunday, November 21 at 2:57 pm

Oh, PW, I sincerely hope that your daughter’s name really is Petunia! I love it and she looks like it fits her perfectly!

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Pamella On Sunday, November 21 at 2:59 pm

I had my husband record the Throw Down because I am a busy woman….but that is another story……ha. I work a full time job first…. I had Physical Therapy Monday night, (was in an auto accident recently) Scentsy Team meeting Tuesday night and Bunco Club Wednesday night when it aired. He was a sweetheart and made sure he recorded it….anyway…..I loved the show! I can’t wait to try YOUR recipes because it reminds me of what Thanksgiving should be. Don’t get me wrong….Bobby is the King but you are the Queen! Oh…btw…..I’m an artist also…….I would LOVE to paint something for you! My favorite thing to paint is old Barns…..on canvas of course, not the side of a barn. Ha Can’t wait to try the vanilla paste.

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Vicki Madden On Sunday, November 21 at 3:00 pm

I’m so glad you published this recipe…. I wanted to make it and looked up Bobby’s recipe, but wasn’t sure it was the right one. Going to try it soon, maybe today if I have time to make the bread. Loved the show and was cheering for you! I enjoyed all the recipes and the whole show. I am also happy that Petunia make this recipe, it gave me confidence! Thanks to all!

89

Marsha On Sunday, November 21 at 3:09 pm

I’m thinking of making this but pouring your whiskey cream sauce all over it!

Enjoyed watching you kick butt!!!! And thanks for posting the recipes. Pesonnally I would have loved your pie as well!!!

Congrats to little cook.

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Suzanne On Sunday, November 21 at 3:30 pm

So glad you wrote about this. When I watched the show, my very favorite part was your daughter, and how she looked right at the camera, and said what she did. LOVE IT!! So real–that alone makes me want to try this recipe!! Great show all around!

I love baking & cooking & when I’m in England I love that they pour warm custard sauce over most of their puddings. Yet for some reason I have avoided making creme anglaise myself. Maybe it is the thought of all that cholesterol — but I don’t let stop me from so many other things. So know that I’ve been shamed that little ‘Petunia’ made creme anglaise I had best give it a go.

I see you are continuing your mom’s tradition of not calling your offspring by their given names. Cute

Helen On Sunday, November 21 at 7:33 pm

Your pictures on your blog of England are wonderful. Makes me want to travel there! In my dreams will have to do~~~~~

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Stacy On Sunday, November 21 at 3:45 pm

I have been begging hubby to make it since I saw Throwdown! He just made the bread today. I can’t wait till Thanksgiving. BTW, I SO cried when you won! I am So proud of you!

97

mkheadley On Sunday, November 21 at 4:02 pm

Searched for this on Friday for about 30 minutes. Made for my family last night–it was a super hit! We personalized the caramel sauce and added more cream and butter, (imagine that) along with a little cornstarch to get right consistancy and flavor. It was fabulous! Made your outrageous mashed potatoes too. Second helpings for all the guys! Congrats on your win! You got this girl’s vote!! Great show!

I waited impatiently, watched and DVR’d the Thanksgiving Throwdown — LOVED IT!! And, as much as I was stalking both your site and Food Network for your mashed potato recipe, Bobby’s dessert was a very close second!

We had Sunday Ham Dinner this afternoon, with this loveliness for dessert. My teenager and husband weeble-wobbled in a race to get to the couch first (the teenager won). The Teenager is fast asleep on the couch, and the husband is the same in the Man Cave.

This recipe is a top 5 in penultimate coma-inducing desserts!

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Joan On Sunday, November 21 at 4:05 pm

Since we can’t get the food network anymore my daughter taped the Thanksgiving Throwdown for me and I got to see it today. I sure enjoyed the show. Thanks for sharing this recipe. It sounds delicious.

100

Amy K. On Sunday, November 21 at 4:07 pm

Well, now, I would think you could just call up your new bff, Bobby Flay, and ASK him for the recipe!! Oh, wait, would that be bad form, since YOU WON??! Congratulations!

Saturday, April 4: Freezer Fundamentals! While ranch work is going on outside, freezer work is going on inside! I share four more of my favorite freezer basics, which can be made into a whole bunch of different meals.